The Deafness Resource Centre, based on Dentons Green Lane, run a number of different services to help deaf or hard of hearing people in St Helens. These include a communications service, advocacy service, equipment to help with the TV, doorbell, phone etc British Sign Language training, family group, deaf youth club and various social groups.
The British Deaf Association is the largest Deaf-lead organisation in the UK; they campaign against discrimination, promote British Sign Language and provide an advocacy service too. The Royal Association for Deaf People have an online legal service for deaf people for advice on welfare benefits, employment, housing and debt – by using a webcam, you can also talk to an adviser in British Sign Language.
NDCS provides information and support services for families with deaf children. Their freephone helpline (0808 800 8880) team have a wealth of knowledge and experience and can offer information and support on many issues relating to deafness including education, benefits and technology. NDCS offer Family Officers who can empower and support families to make informed choices, and the charity also runs a website called ‘The Buzz’, which is for deaf children aged 8 to 11 and 12 to 18.
Hearing Link and Action on Hearing Loss (formerly the RNID) can provide further information, answers to frequently asked questions and sources of support.